1939 Alvis Speed 25 SC (Boat Tail Special) | Historics Auctioneers | 28th November

• Good history file with Red Triangle
• Insurance valuation for £150,000
• Runs and drives exceedingly well

The Alvis Speed 25 SC is a remarkable example of British motoring excellence from the pre-war era. Produced by Alvis Cars of Coventry, it combined elegant styling, impressive performance and outstanding craftsmanship. Powered by a 3.5-litre, six-cylinder engine, the Speed 25 offered smooth, powerful acceleration and impressive touring capabilities for its time. The SC version featured a shorter chassis, giving it a sportier character and making it particularly appealing to enthusiastic drivers. Many examples were fitted with bespoke coachwork by renowned British coachbuilders, resulting in beautifully proportioned and distinctive designs. Inside, the car offered a luxurious driving environment, with quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.

The chassis and engine number indicate that this car was built in 1939 as a Speed Twenty-Five with Charlesworth saloon body (finished in maroon) which was delivered to Parkers in Birmingham. Eventually, the car came into the hands of a Mr Martin Johnson, an Alvis dealer, who asked a colleague to produce a two-seater sports body for it. David Malvein, having seen the design of Rivers Fletcher's 1938 TT racer, decided to convert the car in similar fashion. The project was given to Nic Harley at Winkleigh, who in turn gave the job to Wivis Engineering in Exeter. It would appear this work was carried out around 1971.

Purchased by the enthusiastic and fastidious vendor in May 2020, he set about improving this Speed 25. Shortly after taking delivery, he sent this Alvis to Red Triangle and had over £10,000 worth of work carried out. Regular visits to Red Triangle have ensured this Speed 25 presents in r excellent order mechanically. Cosmetically, the blue coachwork presents well, although to be expected, there are some age-related marks (it is 87 years old). The interior, with its nicely patinated sports bucket seats is also in great order. This boat tail special is not a concours car; however, it is an exceptional example that presents very well and is ready to jump in and enjoy immediately. Supplied with a V5 registration and a valuable history file, which includes an insurance valuation from Red Triangle that was carried out on 3rd July 2026 for £150,000.The vendor has even had the car MoT’d regularly; the current MoT expires on 24th June 2027. Today, the Alvis Speed 25 SC is highly regarded by classic car enthusiasts and collectors for its rarity, engineering and timeless elegance. As one of the final great sporting Alvis models produced before the Second World War, it represents a significant chapter in British automotive history. Consigned by Stewart Banks